The Ministry of Education (MoE) has dismissed reports suggesting that secondary schools will cease to serve their traditional purposes starting in 2026.
There have been claims that secondary schools will be renamed “CBC Senior Schools” and will no longer be categorised based on academic criteria.
The proponents of this idea assert that these schools would be transformed into career pathway centers, focusing on preparing learners for their career goals rather than on academic excellence.
Furthermore, national schools that accept single genders would be compelled to absorb all genders, resulting in mixed schools.
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The statements alarmed parents who did not see the reasoning behind converting schools into mixed-use facilities.
In response, the MoE has labeled these claims as false. Without providing further details, a statement was tweeted on Saturday, March 1, refuting the allegations.
In the meantime, traditional secondary schools did not enroll students for Form One this year, as Grade 8 learners transitioned to Grade Nine in Junior Secondary Schools, as outlined in the new curriculum.
This transition has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced on January 6, 2025, that Grade 9 students will start the academic year as scheduled, despite incomplete classroom construction.
He asked school heads to find temporary solutions, such as combining classes and allowing Grade 9 students to use available classrooms during outdoor activities.
The education system is transitioning from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with the 8-4-4 system concluding in 2027.
By Joseph Mambili
